Christchurch shooting: multiple fatalities after mass shooting at two mosques – live updates

Christchurch shooting: multiple fatalities after mass shooting at two mosques – live updates

2019-03-15 03:36:13 UTC

2019-03-15 04:08:10 UTC
(32 minutes later)

Our reporter, Melissa Davey, is in New Zealand en route to Christchurch. The taxi driver driving her to the airport says he is shocked and believed the shootings were hate crimes.

“There’s been shootings in New Zealand but never racist based like this that I can remember. We rarely have shootings like that. I think it’s bloody awful. I mean it’s pretty pointed going into a mosque isn’t it?

“I can only talk in my experience but Christchurch is a very conservative Protestant city and it does have a violent past. So it doesn’t surprise me if it did happen, it happened it Christchurch. You do get white boys, the white power gangs there still. Not so much skinheads anymore. But in with that sort. I wouldn’t say New Zealand as a whole is racist.”

And as we see in that last tweet, the police press conference has been pushed back by half a hour, to 5:30pm local time.

Schools remain in lockdown

Police have advised that schools in the city remain in lockdown, there is no timeframe for when that will be lifted. Police have encouraged parents not to go to the schools to try and collect their children, saying they are being looked after by their schools.

1/4 Due to the ongoing serious firearms incident in Central Christchurch Police would like to remind all parents and caregivers that schools across the city remain in lock down.There is no timeframe at this stage for when the lock down will be lifted. The children are being...

2/4 taken care of by schools. On advice from Police, schools will communicate directly with parents when the lock down is lifted.The safety of the community is our priority.

3/4 We will provide updates on the incident as and when they are available and you can get these on our Facebook (link is external) page and website.

4/4 Media please note the stand up with Commissioner Mike Bush has been pushed back to 5.30pm. This will be held at the Royal Society on Turnbull Street, Thorndon, Wellington.

We’re expecting the police to hold a news conference any moment now.

Police may confirm the number of casualties at this press conference. While some news outlets are reporting figures, police have so far not officially confirmed the number of those dead and injured.

Police are aware there is extremely distressing footage relating to the incident in Christchurch circulating online. We would strongly urge that the link not be shared. We are working to have any footage removed.

The Bangladesh cricket team “just escaped” after shots were fired at a Christchurch mosque close to where the team was due to play the final Test match of their tour of New Zealand.

Police confirmed there were multiple fatalities after shootings at two mosques in the city on Friday.

All team members and staff caught up in the incident were able to return safely to their hotel, Bangladesh Cricket confirmed, after taking refuge in the immediate aftermath in the dressing rooms at Hagley Oval.

Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’s highest run scorer, said he and his teammates were able to flee the scene. He described the experience as “frightening”.

Bangladesh have been touring New Zealand since last month.

Full story here.

Bangladesh cricket team escaped Christchurch mosque shooting

Australia and New Zealand are family and we grieve with our brothers and sisters today. We send our love and condolences, our sorrow and solidarity in this terrible time of fear and pain and grief.

Witness accounts from inside the mosque are starting to emerge. About 1:40pm, a gunman entered the Masjid Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch and opened fire.

Mohan Ibrahim was inside the mosque when the shooting began. He told the New Zealand Herald he thought it was an electric shock “but then all these people started running”.“I still have friends inside. I have been calling my friends but there are many I haven’t heard from. I am scared for my friends lives.”Ahmad Al-Mahmoud described seeing the man “coming through and shooting everyone in the mosque.

“We’re trying to get everyone to run from the area because we couldn’t get everyone out throught the door,” he told Stuff.co.

He said he jumped over the back fence of the mosque to escape.

“I haven’t seen the guy correctly but he was wearing helmet and these things,” he said.

“[There was] at least over 50 bullets ... [it was] quite fast ... could be more than hundreds.”Another man, Carl Pomare, was one of the first people on the scene.Pomare told the Herald he was driving opposite the mosque at 1.40pm and saw “a whole lot of people outside the mosque entrance on the footpath and the next thing, we saw them run”.Pomare said he heard shots going off at rapid fire and saw people hitting the ground.

There have been multiple fatalities after the shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch during Friday afternoon prayers. A car with explosives inside was intercepted by police nearby

One suspect is in custody but police warned they were still tracing an active shooter. Police commissioner Mike Bush said: “Close your doors until you hear from us again.”

The prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said it was “one of New Zealand’s darkest days”, calling the attacks “an unprecedented act of violence”.

The city has been placed in lockdown, with schools and public buildings closed. People taking part in nearby climate change protests were evacuated and council staff have been looking after children separated from their relatives in the chaos.

Ardern spoke of the attacker’s motivation, saying the victims might include refugees and migrants. “They are us,” she said, before saying the perpetrator “has no place in New Zealand”.

Witness Len Peneha said he saw a man dressed in black enter the mosque – believed to have hundreds of people inside – and then heard dozens of shots. He said he also saw the gunman flee before emergency services arrived

Whilst I cannot give any confirmation at this stage around fatalities and casualties, what I can say is that it is clear that this is one of New Zealand’s darkest days.

Whilst I cannot give any confirmation at this stage around fatalities and casualties, what I can say is that it is clear that this is one of New Zealand’s darkest days.

Clearly, what has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence.

Clearly, what has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence.

Many of those who will have been directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here. They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home.

Many of those who will have been directly affected by this shooting may be migrants to New Zealand, they may even be refugees here. They have chosen to make New Zealand their home, and it is their home.

They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand. There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence, which it is clear this act was.

They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not. They have no place in New Zealand. There is no place in New Zealand for such acts of extreme and unprecedented violence, which it is clear this act was.

For now, my thoughts, and I’m sure the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those who have been affected, and also with their families.

For now, my thoughts, and I’m sure the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those who have been affected, and also with their families.

My thoughts also to those in Christchurch, who are still dealing with an unfolding situation. The advice from police continues to be that people remain indoors. I acknowledge that that may mean that some families are separated, but please continue to listen out for information as it comes to light that’s been directly provided by the New Zealand Police with further information.

My thoughts also to those in Christchurch, who are still dealing with an unfolding situation. The advice from police continues to be that people remain indoors. I acknowledge that that may mean that some families are separated, but please continue to listen out for information as it comes to light that’s been directly provided by the New Zealand Police with further information.

But as I say, please remain in lockdown. We are potentially still dealing with an evolving situation. And again, as I say, across multiple sites. Please be assured, though, the police are actively managing the situation. Christchurch Hospital is dedicated to treating those who are arriving at the hospital as we speak as well.

But as I say, please remain in lockdown. We are potentially still dealing with an evolving situation. And again, as I say, across multiple sites. Please be assured, though, the police are actively managing the situation. Christchurch Hospital is dedicated to treating those who are arriving at the hospital as we speak as well.

As soon as I leave here, I will be returning directly on a flight to Wellington. Agencies are already convening in Wellington. I will be looking to meet with them as soon as I land. It’s my expectation that once I arrive and have been briefed, I intend to speak again publicly after that point. I’m happy to take questions.”

As soon as I leave here, I will be returning directly on a flight to Wellington. Agencies are already convening in Wellington. I will be looking to meet with them as soon as I land. It’s my expectation that once I arrive and have been briefed, I intend to speak again publicly after that point. I’m happy to take questions.”

Police commissioner Mike Bush has warned: “No one in the country must go to a mosque under any circumstances.”

Police commissioner Mike Bush has warned: “No one in the country must go to a mosque under any circumstances.”

Series of updates from the New Zealand police, which includes confirmation of multiple fatalities and the fact this is an ongoing situation.

Series of updates from the New Zealand police, which includes confirmation of multiple fatalities and the fact this is an ongoing situation.

Police will address media at 5pm local time (in about 40 minutes).

Police will address media at 5pm local time (in about 40 minutes).

1/5 Police is responding to a very serious and tragic incident involving an active shooter in central Christchurch. One person is in custody, however Police believe there may be other offenders.... This is an evolving incident and we are working to confirm the facts...

1/5 Police is responding to a very serious and tragic incident involving an active shooter in central Christchurch. One person is in custody, however Police believe there may be other offenders.... This is an evolving incident and we are working to confirm the facts...

2/5 however we can confirm there have been a number of fatalities. Police is currently at a number of scenes. We understand that there will be many anxious people but I can assure New Zealanders that Police is doing all it can to resolve this incident.

2/5 however we can confirm there have been a number of fatalities. Police is currently at a number of scenes. We understand that there will be many anxious people but I can assure New Zealanders that Police is doing all it can to resolve this incident.

3/5 We urge New Zealanders to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111. We are mobilising resources nationally and support is being brought into the District. We are still working to resolve this incident and we continue to urge Christchurch...

3/5 We urge New Zealanders to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111. We are mobilising resources nationally and support is being brought into the District. We are still working to resolve this incident and we continue to urge Christchurch...

4/5 ...residents to stay inside. We ask all mosques nationally to shut their doors, and advise that people refrain from visiting these premises until further notice.

4/5 ...residents to stay inside. We ask all mosques nationally to shut their doors, and advise that people refrain from visiting these premises until further notice.

5/5 There will be a media stand-up at 5pm today at the Royal Society Te Aparangi on Turnbull Street, Thorndon, Wellington.

5/5 There will be a media stand-up at 5pm today at the Royal Society Te Aparangi on Turnbull Street, Thorndon, Wellington.

I'm horrified by the reports I’m following of the serious shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. The situation is still unfolding but our thoughts and prayers are with our Kiwi cousins.

I'm horrified by the reports I’m following of the serious shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. The situation is still unfolding but our thoughts and prayers are with our Kiwi cousins.

Ardern is asked if she would describe this attack as a hate crime, she says: “I would describe it as an unprecedented act of violence.”

Ardern is asked if she would describe this attack as a hate crime, she says: “I would describe it as an unprecedented act of violence.”

She says of the people who were attacked, “New Zealand is their home, they should have felt safe here.”

She says of the people who were attacked, “New Zealand is their home, they should have felt safe here.”

She said that those who were in attendance at a mosque should have the right to be exercising their religious freedom, but they were not safe. Ardern says actions like this have “no place in New Zealand”.

She said that those who were in attendance at a mosque should have the right to be exercising their religious freedom, but they were not safe. Ardern says actions like this have “no place in New Zealand”.

After the press conference Ardern is flying to Wellington, where officials are convening.

After the press conference Ardern is flying to Wellington, where officials are convening.

She says one person is in custody, but that police are still advising people to remain indoors and there may be other people involved.

She says one person is in custody, but that police are still advising people to remain indoors and there may be other people involved.

Ardern says she cannot confirm precise details, including the number of casualties.

Ardern says she cannot confirm precise details, including the number of casualties.

“I’m not currently in a position to confirm casualties or injuries.” But she says it is clear so far “this is a significant event”.

“I’m not currently in a position to confirm casualties or injuries.” But she says it is clear so far “this is a significant event”.

“It will be one of New Zealand’s darkest days.”

“It will be one of New Zealand’s darkest days.”

Ardern says her thoughts are with the people of Christchurch, including those families that may be separated due to the lockdown.

She seems like she is holding back tears as she speaks about these events.

Ardern says that the perpetrator “has no place in New Zealand”. She calls the victims, some of whom may have been migrants or even refugees to New Zealand were part of their community - “they are us,” she says.

She says the perpetrator “is not”, and there is no place in New Zealand society for violent attacks like this.

She confirms one suspect is in custody, but police are still searching to see if more people were involved.

She calls it “an unprecedented act of violence.

Commissioner Mike Bush’s full video statement can be seen here.

UPDATE: SERIOUS FIREARMS INCIDENT https://t.co/AdfMqSO095

New Zealand police confirm that there have been multiple fatalities at two locations – Masjid Al Noor on Deans Ave and the Linwood Masjid on Linwood Ave.

The police say one suspect is in custody, but that the situation is still ongoing and it is an active shooter situation.

Commissioner Mike Bush said it was a “very serious and grave situation” and warned people not to leave their homes.

“Close your doors until you hear from us again,” said Bush.

There are reports that someone who could be the shooter has released a manifesto online, and a very disturbing video showing the attack.

These are unconfirmed at this stage and we are choosing not to publish more about them until we have been able to verify them. We will bring you more information about this when we have it.

‘I saw people drop dead’ - witness’s horrific account of shooting

A man who was at the mosque during the incident is telling TVNZ he hasn’t seen his wife, who was also in the mosque this morning, since the shooting.

The man, who is a wheelchair and pushed himself out to the carpark, has a chilling account of the event.

He said he was in the side room and the imam had just started his sermon when the shooting started.

It was very peaceful, calm and quiet, as it is when the sermon starts, you could hear a pin drop.

Then suddenly the shooting started. It started in the main room... I was in the side room, so I didn’t see who was shooting but I saw that some people were running out to my room where I was in, I saw some people had blood on their body and some people were limping. It was at the moment I realised things were really serious.

So I tried too get out and I pushed myself at the back where my car was, and from there I heard the shooting, it went on six minutes or more, I could hear screaming and crying, I saw some people drop dead, some people were running away, I was in a wheelchair, so I couldn’t get anywhere.

He did his massacre inside the mosque.

The man then pushed himself back into the mosque after the shooting ended, trying to find his wife, and help others.

I pushed myself back into the mosque. To the right, I saw about 20 plus people, some were dead, some were screaming. On the left there were 10 plus people, some were dead,

I saw the bullet shells on the floor, so many hundreds.

Christchurch Hospital is in lockdown.

The hospital is about two kilometres from the mosques.

A hospital spokesman said some shooting victims were being treated at the emergency department but he could not provide numbers.

“We don’t know the detail at this time,” he told the Guardian.

“The whole campus, including the building I’m in, is in lockdown, we are not venturing outside – that’s staff, patients and visitors.”

Sources have told our reporter on the ground, Eleanor Ainge Roy, that police are searching for three people inside the area that has been cordoned off, as well as a white van.

Adding to the shock is how rare events like this are in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s last mass shooting was the 1990 Aramoana massacre, in which 13 people were murdered as well as the killer David Gray.

The tragedy unfolded in the small seaside township of Aramoana, near Dunedin. Gray was armed with a scoped semi-automatic rifle and his victims included the first policeman to respond to the emergency - Sergeant Stewart Guthrie.

The incident sparked a lengthy public debate on gun control in NZ at the time.In 2016, a firearms expert warned NZ could be at risk of another Aramoana massacre.

Waikato University professor Alexander Gillespie told a parliamentary inquiry that 95 per cent of guns in NZ are untraceable because a lack of a central register.

“At the moment I have to register my car. I have to register my dog. But my neighbour doesn’t have to register his firearm,” Dr Gillespie said.